Common Reasons for a Roof to Leak

By
Charleston Roofs and Windows
|December 13, 2018

Causes of Roof Leaks

Anyone who has experienced a leaky roof knows how big of an inconvenience
it can be. Additionally, a leaking roof may become the root of significant
damage to several areas of a home especially if the cause goes undiscovered.
To avoid additional damage to the rest of the home a leaking roof should
be attended to as soon as possible.

Water travels in the path of least resistance which means a roof leak can
often start somewhere other than where the leak may appear to be, this
often makes it difficult to locate the exact spot or cause of a leak.
Homeowners should make sure to check for some of the most common reasons
why a roof would leak in order to stop existing leaks or to prevent potential ones.

A roof is exposed to the elements more so than the rest of the home. Rain,
snow, wind, and exposure to the sun damage your roof over time. Be sure
to check for aged materials that look brittle or cracked, also be sure
to check for thin or melted tar which is what keeps shingles together.
If any symptoms of an aged roof are visible, be sure to address the problems
sooner rather than later.

Homeowners should occasionally check rooftops for any buildup of debris
such as twigs, leaves, or pine needles. Debris can collect water in isolated
spots on the roof which can cause water to seep into it, keeping the roof
clear allows water to run off and not collect.

Make sure to check around any roof vents and flashing seals, water can
penetrate through aged or damaged seals on a roof where vents, chimneys,
or other structures penetrate through the roof. Check and replace damaged
seals or vents to prevent any potential leaks.

Lastly, be sure to check for missing shingles as a result of high winds,
small holes as a result of removing TV antennas or other structures, backed-up
or clogged gutters, and any excess moisture that is visible on the roof.
If any of these tasks are too much for you to complete or if you would
like to have a damaged portion of your roof repaired, contact us today!